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ESSENTIAL OILS-A USER'S GUIDE.
From: The Daily Mail (London, England) | Date: April 30, 2002 | Author:
Warner, Felicity
Byline: FELICITY WARNER
THE relaxing property of essential oils is a well-known fact. Now scientists
around the world are discovering that many oils are much more than just a
glorious smell . . .
Some have the power to save our lives as well as help in the treatment of
serious diseases such as Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, tuberculosis and
even anthrax.
Here's a list of 12 'essential' essential oils you can't afford to be
without.
ROSEMARY OIL
ROSEMARY has a long history as a memory-enhancing herb - thousands of years
ago the Greeks called it the herb of remembrance. Now doctors in
Israel have completed trials using drugs containing rosemary oil. They
discovered that many patients who have Alzheimer's disease have a shortage
of a brain chemical called acetylcholine which plays a key role in cognition
and reasoning.
Scientists found rosemary oil contains half a dozen compounds known to
prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Students have also reported feeling
livelier and more receptive to information after smelling the oil.
AMERICAN SPICE APPLE OIL
THE homely smell of this oil can lower blood pressure in some patients. Dr
Gary Schwartz, professor of psychology and psychiatry at Yale University,
tested the aromas of several essential oils, including chamomile and
geranium. But the scent of American spice apple reduced significantly the
blood pressure of 30 healthy volunteers aged 25 to 40.
MYRRH
MYRRH'S essential oil has strong antiseptic qualities. Ointments containing
it will effectively treat acne, eczema, bruises, infection, athlete's foot,
and hard-to-heal wounds.
Myrrh also reduces swelling caused by infection. Therapists use it on
varicose veins, chapped, cracked, and aged skin, candida (thrush), and
herpes blisters.
It is also used in many gargles, mouthwashes, and toothpastes.
Aromatherapists claim it activates the immune system, so lozenges or a syrup
containing myrrh is good for coughs, colds, and flu.
FRANKINCENSE
IT'S one of the most expensive oils, but it is an important tissue healer
with many miraculous references going way back to the Bible.
It rejuvenates skin, and is used in many expensive cosmetics. It also helps
old scars to fade, and, when diluted in carrier oils and applied directly to
the skin, reduces inflammation.
Its antiseptic properties fight bacterial and fungal skin infections. Some
plastic surgeons make up creams containing frankincense to use on
postoperative patients.
TEA TREE
THIS is one of nature's best disinfectants, and has the power to kill one of
the worst bacteria known to man. Dr Giles Elsom, of the University of
London, proved that applying the oil directly to the skin could clear wounds
infected by the MRSA superbug - a major source of infection in many UK
hospitals - and protect patients and staff from cross-infection.
EUCALYPTUS OIL
DOCTORS in Australia have long known the benefits of inhaling this oil for
treating coughs, colds and catarrh. Now scientistsat Sydney University have
proved that it can also kill infectious tuberculosis germs and are
predicting that it may become a frontline treatment for TB prevention.
OIL OF CLOVES
THIS has similar antiseptic qualities to eucalyptus. Trials have shown that
it is also effective in killing virulent strains of the tuberculosis
bacterium. According to a study at the University of Iowa, compounds in
clove oil fight bacteria associated with plaque formation and gum disease.
It can also fight germs in flu, colds and bronchitis. German researchers
found that sniffing the spicy aroma reduces drowsiness, irritability, and
headaches, and helps memory recall.
LAVENDER OIL
LAVENDER is nature's chill-out oil. Researchers at the Royal Berkshire
Hospital NHS Trust, Reading, have been using it in the intensive care unit
to help alleviate anxiety and stress in patients and their families. It can
be applied to open wounds and used for acne, psoriasis, scalds, and sunburn.
Mix into a cream, gel, or milk base and dab on to the skin.
THYME OIL
MANUFACTURERS are considering putting thyme oil into kitchen disinfectants.
It is an antiseptic and kills Salmonella typhimurium, a major cause of food
poisoning.
Tests in France in 1889 showed that the oil could also kill anthrax
bacteria.
Researchers have also found it is a good hair restorer. Other tests have
shown that it kills typhoid, streptococcus and diphtheria germs in just four
minutes.
LEMON OIL
A VAPOUR containing lemon oil can kill the deadly bacterium that causes
meningitis in just 15 minutes - according to experiments by French doctors
Morel and Rochaix. The oil has always been used as an antiseptic and remedy
for fevers, sore throats, coughs, and indigestion. As a massage oil, it also
relieves lymph glands congested from infection and reduces bloating.
Incorporated into cosmetics,
it is best used on oily complexions and skin blemishes.
PEPPERMINT OIL
THIS can help digestion and relieve flatulence, cramping, nausea, and
symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome if it is used as a massage oil over the
abdomen. It can also be inhaled to ward off a migraine attack.
ROSE GERANIUM
GOOD for healing period, menopausal and hormonerelated problems.
Anecdotally, the oil has a reputation throughout Europe for shrinking
tumours, cervical and breast cancer although no research trials have been
carried out to date.
However the oil is used in many cosmetic bust-enhancing products and is
thought to promote healthy breast tissue.
NOTE: Don't try these cures without consulting a qualified aromatherapist as
some people may react to the oils.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Solo Syndication Limited
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Young
Living Essential Oils